Peace is at hand in Mindanao – Team PNoy

March 1, 2013 11:14 pm

MANILA, Mar. 1 — The administration coalition Team PNoy Friday welcomed the signing of the first of four annexes on the framework agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on the Bangsamoro region.

Team PNoy spokesman Marikina Rep. Miro Quimbo said the signing is a testament to President Aquino’s resolve to end the armed conflict in Mindanao through negotiations.

“We are glad that the peace talks are moving forward and peace is within reach,” Quimbo said. “Mindanao’s socio-economic development is an integral part of Team PNoy’s platform.

The signing of the annex Thursday came after the 36thround of formal exploratory talks in Kuala Lumpur from Feb. 25-27.

In Team PNoy’s visit to Mindanao recently, Quimbo said the administration coalition emphasized the Bangsamoro peace process that is a pillar of President Aquino’s reform agenda.

"The primary issue in Mindanao is the peace process. Mindanao is the only area in Asia where secessionist movement is still taking place,” he said.

“We are at the threshold of genuinely ending it in a peaceful manner. But it is all anchored on the single message, that is, tuwid na daan."

Quimbo is upbeat that the President’s track record has gained the trust of Mindanao — something that may not have been the case in 2010 — and stressed that only the President could lead such a feat.

He expressed confidence that Team PNoy candidates could reverse the trend in the midterm elections. (PNA)